Free printed Franklin Cultural District Guides are available

Free printed Cultural District Guides are available at the Franklin Public Library, Franklin Senior Center, and the town of Franklin Municipal Building - grab yours today!

Free printed Franklin Cultural District Guides are available

If you can't get a printed copy, you can read the digital version -

https://www.franklinculture.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif596/f/uploads/dacce_district_guide_fallwinter_2026_1.pdf

Agenda for Town Council meeting Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 16, 2026, 6:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building: 

Council Chambers 

355 East Central Street, 2nd Floor

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Joint Budget Subcommittee (next meeting: TBD)

b. Economic Development Subcommittee (next meetings: Sept. 17, 6pm & Oct 1, 6pm)

c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting TBD)

d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: TBD)

e. Police Station Building Committee (next meeting: TBD)

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Hunger Action Month

b. Town Staff Retirements

i. John Rondeau, Facilities, 35 Years

ii. Michael Ellsworth, Facilities, 33 Years

iii. Patrick Farrell, DPW, 32 Years

iv. Irene McDonough, Facilities, 29 Years

v. Jon Chalk, Fire Dept, 21 Years

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. August 12, 2026

8. APPOINTMENTS

a. Franklin Cultural Council

i. Brittany Capozzi

ii. Jorge Marinez

iii. Jessica Phillips

iv. Nancy Rabinowitz

v. Leslie Rappaport-Atlas

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM - None Scheduled.

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

i. Legislation for Action #12a

b. Legislative Update - Senator Rebecca Rausch & Representative Jeffrey Roy

c. Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry

d. SAFE Coalition Update - Jennifer Knight-Levine, Executive Director, SAFE Coalition

e. 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Update - Jayson Joyce, Chair & Rob Browne, Vice Chair   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10976/11e-PRESENTATION---250th-Committee

i. Legislation for Action #12b

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 26-52: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans Services Department ($2,000) (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-52 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10968/12a-1---26-52---MEMO---Gift-Acceptances---Veterans-Services-Dept_2_combine

b. Resolution 26-53: Transfer of $25,000 from the Marketing & Branding Capital Account to the 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-53 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10977/12b-Transfer-of-25k-to-250th-Committee

c. Resolution 26-54: Appropriation of Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming Per MGL Chapter 44, Section 53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-54 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10967/12c-26-54-PEG-Comcast--Verizon

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body and the Chair so-declares:

i. “Other Property” potentially available for Town purchase/acquisition

b. Exemption: To review and approve minutes from Town Council Executive Sessions.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09162026-2512

Franklin Cultural Council FY27 Grant Applications open until October 16, 2026

It’s time to write your Franklin Cultural Council FY27 Grant Applications!  

From now until October 16th, the Franklin Cultural Council is accepting applications for grants which support arts and culture programs for Franklinites. 

 

Here is the link to the portal where you can learn more and start YOUR GRANT APPLICATION:  https://massculturalcouncil.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp

Shared from -  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DUh2qSfcu/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, August 17, 2026 ???

Monday, August 17

Franklin Lions Clothing Drive active through Aug 22   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/07/the-franklin-lions-conducting-clothing.html

For additional details on Library events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9890

***  Town Meetings today ***

Franklin Cultural Council

Monday, August 17 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08172026-2456 

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Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx

The School district calendar is found https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

David Rak & Paradise Flyer scheduled to provide live music at the Farmers Market/Concert on the Common Friday, July 24

Join us this Friday for live music on the Franklin Town Common while you shop the Franklin Farmers Market!

David Rak | 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Paradise Flyer | 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Spend the afternoon downtown with local vendors, fresh food, and great music.

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DbGk47Vgbcw/

New mural at the Children's Museum of Franklin a youthful collaboration

via kaylajeancreative

"Kiddos 🤝🏻 community 🤝🏻 art! 

It all came together in this contest turned collaboration for the @childrensmuseumfranklin. 

Four talented kiddos were picked from over 50 submissions to paint a mural with me. The themes of their submissions along with the museum’s iconic and fun branding guided the creative direction for this fun and highly graphic little mural!

Thanks to the @franklinculturalcouncil02038, @franklinculture and @childrensmuseumfranklin for the opportunity!"

Additional photos can be found on Kayla's Instagram post

https://www.instagram.com/p/DaqB_7dDtdz/

Mike Tarara and Fourplay are scheduled to perform Friday, July 10 at the Franklin Farmers Market

Mike Tarara and Fourplay are performing at the Franklin Farmers Market this week!

Thank you @franklin_recreation, @@franklinculturalcouncil02038, and @masscultural for sponsoring!

Farmers Market vendors, performers & food trucks today, June 26, 2026

https://www.instagram.com/p/DaBpPK5jBS_/

"Vendors, performers, and food trucks at the Franklin Farmers Market this week!

Thank you @franklinculturalcouncil02038, @masscultural, and Franklin Recreation Department for sponsoring!"

Franklin Cultural Council announces A-Wreath-of-Franklin 2026 has a theme! “The Magic We Make”

Are you ready to make magic?  

Hiran Jani of Franklin submitted the idea and the Franklin Cultural Council enthusiastically selected it. 

Why did Hiran submit this theme idea?  In her submission Hiran noted that she submitted “The Magic We Make” because it captures "how the magic of the season is something we create together as a community.”

The dates for this year’s events are still be determined.  Stay tuned for more details.  

Hiran Jani was present on Friday at the Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Strawberry Stroll when John Ristaino, Franklin Cultural Council Chairperson, made the announcement and unveiled this year’s logo. 

 

THANK YOU HIRAN!  

Get ready to “make magic” and come together as community!

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E9C4SZikP/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 ???

Wednesday, May 27

• Curbside trash/recycling pickup schedule delayed one day due to holiday; what was Tuesday will be picked up Wednesday

1:00pm Scribblers Writing Group (recording session) (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Bingo night (Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub)

6:30pm Franklin Elks Bingo Night (Franklin Elks Lodge #2136)

7:00pm Smarty Pants Trivia (Raillery Public House)

For additional details on Library events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9195/May-2026-Newsletter?bidId=

***   Town Meetings today   ***

Council on Aging Board Meeting

Wednesday, May 27 Time: 11:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272026-2334 

Franklin Cultural Council Meeting

Wednesday, May 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272026-2331 

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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Franklin Cultural Council

From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.

General Purpose

The Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) is dedicated to supporting arts, culture, and the humanities within the Franklin community. As a Local Cultural Council (LCC) funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) and supplemented by municipal support, the FCC provides grants and programming that enhance public access to diverse cultural experiences. The FY26 budget reflects our ongoing commitment to funding local artists, educators, and organizations while expanding public engagement with cultural initiatives.

Core Functions

● Grant Distribution: Administers Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) grants to support local arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences projects.

● Grant Reporting & Compliance: Ensures adherence to MCC guidelines and proper documentation of funded initiatives.

● Community Engagement: Promotes cultural opportunities for Franklin residents through events, programs, and partnerships.

● Cultural Advocacy: Serves as a liaison between the community and state cultural agencies to advance Franklin’s creative economy.

● Diversity & Inclusion in the Arts: Prioritizes equitable access to arts and culture for all community members.

● Cultural District Collaboration: Works alongside the Franklin Cultural District Committee to foster cultural growth and visibility.

● Event Sponsorship & Support: Assists in organizing, funding, and promoting cultural events within the town.

● Education & Youth Programs: Encourages arts and cultural education through partnerships with schools and local organizations.

Staffing

● Nine (9) Volunteer Members

○ Includes: One (1) Chair

○ Includes: One (1) Treasurer

Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

● Successfully Distributed MCC Grants. Funded over $40K in local cultural programming through the FY25 grant cycle, supporting artists, nonprofit cultural organizations, and community-based projects.

● Increased Grant Applications. Expanded outreach efforts, resulting in a higher number  of  applicants for MCC funding, including new organizations and youth-focused programs.

○ FY24 $59,002 in requests from FCC

○ FY25 $81,925 in requests from FCC

○ FY26 $168,041 in requests from FCC

● Engaged Schools and Youth Organizations. Funded cultural programs that directly benefited students and young artists, fostering arts education and creative engagement across the community.

○ Some of the organizations that the FCC has funded in FY26: The Franklin Farmers Market, Empty Bowls Project, The 4th of July Coalition, The Franklin Senior Center, The Franklin Public Library, the Franklin High School Theater Booster Club, The Franklin Art Association, The Franklin School of the Performing Arts.

● Supported Key Cultural Events. Provided funding and promotional support for

signature town-wide events, including The Strawberry Stroll, Harvest Festival Trunk-or-Treats, and the 2nd Annual ‘A Wreath of Franklin’, helping to increase attendance and community participation.

● Implemented More Transparent Reporting.  Improved documentation and tracking of grant impacts, providing clear reporting on community, educational, and cultural outcomes.

 

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

● This is a level funded budget. The state provides grant money to the FCC based on a formula in state law and is subject to appropriation by the state Legislature.

● The Town continues its own resources to “match” the state grant money.

FY27 Requested Budget Summary

The Franklin Cultural Council is requesting our standard $20,000 to continue supporting the expanding pool of local MCC grant applicants, including emerging and youth-focused artists and organizations. These funds will also support sustain free, community-wide arts programming that enriches public spaces, engages residents of all ages, and strengthens Franklin’s cultural identity.

Investing in this funding ensures broader access to the arts, promotes local talent, and enhances community participation, positioning Franklin as a vibrant regional hub for arts and culture.

The PDF of this section - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l80LIoK4b3BmpLWsGtqq_kntyaLWFS1g/view?usp=drive_link

For the full FY 2027 budget narrative -  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8912/FY27-Budget-Narrative-FINAL-1

The FY 2027 budget information can be found 

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, February 12, 2026 ???

Thursday, February 12

Library & Senior Center events

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

***   Town Meetings today   ***

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, February 12 Time: 2:00 PM

No agenda posted at this time

Charles River Pollution Control District Meeting

Thursday, February 12 Time: 4:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02122026-2131 

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, February 12 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/553?fileID=7915 

Cultural District Committee Meeting

Thursday, February 12 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02122026-2125 

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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar